Counting or number registering mechanism



July 20 1954 R. w. sTARREvl-:LD

COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 24.1951 On' @Q m. O.'

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July 20, 1954 R. w. sTARREvELD 2,684,199

COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 24, 1951 5Sheets-Sheet 2 2 l 2 33 3 O 3 46 43 45 4 4 Q July 20, 1954 Filed Feb.24, 1951 R. W. STARREVELD COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM 5Sheets-Sheet I5 July 20, 1954 R. w. sTARREvELD 2,684,199

COUNTING OR NUMBER REGISTERING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 24, 1951 5Sheets-Sheet 4 July 20, A1954 R. w. sTARREvELD 2,684,199

couNTING oR NUMBER REGISTERING MEcHANIsM Filed Feb. 24, 1951 5Sheets-Sheet 5 FIGS FIGAO Patented July 20, 1954 COUNTING E NUMBERREGISTERING` MECHANISD Remmer- W. Starreveld, Amsterdam, Netherlands,assignor to Theodorus Reumerman, Zandvoort, Netherlands, and WillemHendrik Theodorus Helmg, f Leiden, Netherlands Application February 24,1951, Serial No. 212,637

Claims priority, application Netherlands February 28, 1950 12 Claims.- 1

The invention relates to aA counting or number registering mechanism,and in particular to a counting mechanism or a similar device,comprising normally juxtaposed figure wheels (npartite for a numericalsystem based on powers of n), each intendedv for one of the positions tobe occupied by a digit,. andV generally coupled by means for carryingthe multiples of n.

More in particular, counting mechanisms for the decimal system will beconsidered, although the invention may also be used for other numericalsystems after having been adapted thereto.

In arithmetics, it is known to check the correctness. of arithmeticaloperations, inter alia, by casting out the nines, or by casting out theelevens. Inn casting out the nines, the so-called g-functionisdetermined for each of. the numbers to be subjected to` the operation;this function is equal to the sum of the digits, diminished by amultiple oi 9 sol as to leave a positive number less than 9.

In arithmetical operations (additionsand subtractions, multiplications,divisions), the result of the operation has the same 9-function as theresult obtained by applying the same operation to the 9-functions of thenumbers involved in the operation. if adifierence occurs between the9-functions of both the results, a check must be. made, as an error hascrept into the calculations.

In casting out the elevens, a similar procedure is followed; however,the ll-function is equal to the sum oithe digits appearing in the oddpositions, diminished by the sum of the digits ap pearing in the evenpositions and further decreased or increased, if necessary, by amultiple of ll so as to leave a` positive number less than 11.

The above-mentioned checking methods are based on a more general rule,to the effect that, if numbers are subjected to an arithmeticaloperation and if the remainders obtained on divisionof'these numbers bya certain key'number S (i. e. the S-functions are' subjected to the`same operation, the S-function of' the result will correspond with theS-function of the result of the operation applied to the S-functions ofthenumbers. In thisl connection, the S-function oi` a numberisunderstood' to be equalI to the difference between the number and the`next smaller multiple of? the selected"` key number S.

It is to be pointed out that casting outA the nines brings to light 8.0iany 9 arbitrary errors; not however the transpositions of directlyadjacent iigures' which.l are frequently occurring in practice, nor anyother errors resulting in a difference divisible by 9. Casting out theelevens reveals. 1) of any 1.1 arbitrary errcrsg' not hown ever equalerrors in directly adjacent figures or transpositions. between units.and hundreds, tens and thousands, etc., nor any other errors resultinglin a difference divisible by il. A greater certainty maybe obtained bycasting out the nines and the elevens in combination, or by making useof one or more other key numbers affording a greater probability ofiinding an error. For instance, the numbers 7, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, etc.may be considered as key numbers.

The idea is obvious to introduce the procedure of casting out the Ss inautomatic calculating methods. In particular, it would be of importanceto check the numbers inserted in an automatic calculating device in thismanner, i. e. to check whether a number selected, for instance, by meansof a plurality of keys, is right. For

this. purpose, the Sfunction of each number to` be inserted in themachine could be separately determined, and the counting mechanism couldbe provided with a special checking wheel (f5-partite for theS-functions). Upon striking a number, the corresponding S-function isstruck on the checking wheel or wheels. As a consequence, the saidS-functions are treated in the same manner as the numbers inserted inthe machine. Assoon as a result is obtained, it is possible to checkwhether the S-function of this result corresponds with the S-functiondisplayed by the checking wheel at the same time. If there isafdisagreement, an error has been made, and it is highly probable thatthis is an error made in striking the numbers. In any case, a

continuous supervision wouldr be obtained in this.

According to the invention, the normalV computing therefrom theS-function of the number displayed by the normal iigure wheels, andregistering this function. Thus, the desired S-functicn is automaticallycomputed for each number displayed by the mechanism at any time, so thatthis S-function may be compared with the S-function displayed by thechecking wheel in question.

Strictly speaking, the separate checking wheel could be replaced byanother device, on which or by means of which the S-function of theresult of the operation applied to the S-unctions oi the various numbersis registered. However, in order to obtain a continuous supervision, itis essential that the S-function of the result appearing in the normalcounting mechanism is automatically computed.

As a further development, the invention provides a comparing deviceautomatically signalising a disagreement between the position of thechecking wheel as mentioned hereinbefcre, and the result obtained by thesaid calculating device. At the same time, the comparing device maycause the mechanism to be locked, or`its driving to be interrupted.

Preferably, the said calculating device will be an electric one, butmechanical calculating devices are also conceivable and practicable forthis purpose.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to theaccompanying drawings; in this embodiment, the nines and eievens arecast out in a decimal system.

Fig. 1 is a somewhat schematic plan view of a simple calculatingmachine. Figs. 2-10 are schematic cross sections of the countingmechanism of the machine shown in Fig. l, which is provided withelectric auxiliaries embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a plate carrying a plurality of contact brushes or ieelers,arranged at the left of the counting mechanism, as viewed from the left.

Fig. 3 comprises, at the left, a front view of the left-hand side of thefirst iigure wheel from the left, and at the right, a projection of theright-hand side of the same iigure Wheel. Both sides of the figure wheelare provided with contacts and with conductors interconnecting thesecontacts: the left-hand side cooperates with the brushes shown in Fig.2, and the right-hand side with the brushes shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 shows a feeler plate arranged between two successive figurewheels; a front view of the left-hand side is shown at the bottom, and aprojection of the right-hand side at the top.

Fig. 5 comprises a front View of the left-hand side and a projection ofthe right-hand side of a normal figure wheel.

Fig. 6 shows a feeler plate arranged at the right of the countingmechanism; the right-hand side of this feeler plate, shown at the top inthe figure, carries a plurality of brushes cooperating with a checkingwheel for the 9-function, which is represented in Fig. '7.

Fig comprises a front View of the left-hand side and a projection of theright-hand side of the said checking wheel for the Q-unction.

Fig. 8 comprises a front View of the left-hand side and a projection ofthe right-hand side of a feeler plate arranged at the right of the wheelshown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 comprises a front view of the left-hand side and a projection ofthe right-hand side of a i checking wheel for the ll-function, arrangedat the right of the reeler plate shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. l0 is a front view of the left-hand side of a feeler plate arrangedat the right of the checking wheel shown in Fig. 9.

The counting mechanism shown in Fig. 1 is enclosed by a casing I2,provided with a slot I3, through which one figure of each of the figurewheels lil-IM is visible. The counting mechanism is shown in its zeroposition, wherein all gure wheels display a zero before the slot I3. Akey board, comprising 7 10 keys, indicated at Iii, serves for selectingnumbers to be supplied to the counting mechanism.

A window I5, placed in alignment with the slot I3, displays a checkingwheel for the 9- iunction, whereas a checking wheel for the 1lfunctionis placed behind a window I'i. A row of 9 keys I8 is associated with thefirst-mentioned checking wheel, and a row of 1l keys I9 with the secondchecking wheel.

ln operation, when a number is selected by means of the key board I5,the 9-function of this number must be selected by means of the key groupI3, and the ll-function by means of the key group I9. Thus, thesefunctions are treated in the same manner as the number itself, and iithe selection and calculation are correctly performed, the Q-iunctionand the ll-function of any number visible through slot I3 willcorrespond with the figures displayed by windows iii and I'I,respectively.

The apparatus further comprises a row of nine signal lamps 2e and a rowo1" eleven signal lamps 2i. The S-function and the ll-function of eachnumber displayed by the slot I3 are automatically computed, but notvisibly shown. However, ii these functions do not correspond with thegures shown at the Windows I6 and Il, a lamp indicating the diiierenceis lighted in row 26 and/or in row 2I. As long as the lamps 0 arelighted in both rows, there is no difference, i. e. no error occurs.

Fig. 2 shows a disc 25, bearing a plurality of brushes 26 divided overradii indicated at 0, I, II IX. Moreover, a brush 21 is more inwardlyarranged on the O-radius, and a brush 23 is arranged outside the circleof the brushes 2S. All these brushes are stationary.

Brush 27 is connected with the current supply 29, whichis controlled bya switch 3i?. The ten brushes 28 and the brush 28 are each connectedwith a signal lamp 2I (cf. Fig. l), these lamps being grounded at 3|, orconnected with the other terminal of the voltage source.

Brushes 26, 21 and 28 cooperate with contact members on the left-handside of the rst gure wheel 141 as shown in Fig. 3. Brushes 25 cooperatewith ccntact segments 32 arranged in a circle, brush 28 cooperates witha contact ring 33, and brush 2'I either with contact ring 34, or with acontact segment 35 placed in an interruption of ring 34.

Contact members are also provided on the right-hand side of gure wheelIII1 as shown in Fig. 3 at the right. These contact members are contactrings formed in such manner that each ring extends over part of itscircumference in one circle, and over the remainder of its circumferencein another circle, so that two different contact rings lie in eachcomplete circle. Nine of these Contact rings are provided and shown at43 in the drawing. They are connected by means of electric conductors 4Iwith the contact segments 32 on the left-hand side of the -lwe figurewheel |41; fhoweventhe contact segment 32 lying on the O-radius 'isconnectedl With-the innermost contact ringL 43on .the right-hand sideofthe figure wheel |41, this contact ring 43 being closed, i. e..extending through. 360.

The innermost contact `ring 3.4 on the lefthand side is connected with acontact segment 46:1ying. on the G-.radius outside Athe contact rings 40on-the right-'hand .side ofthe vfigure wheel. The contact ring 33 at theleftfisconnected with a large contactsegment 44 .at the right, arrangedin the interruptionof contact rings 40, and the small inner segment35^at .the left is connected with*4 an outside segment 45 at the right,placed on the 9-radius opposite to'the large segment 44.

Astationary disc A5|),'shown inFig. 4, ispfacing the right-hand side ofthe figure .wheel |41` shown in Fig. 3. The left-'hand Vside ofthis'disc, cooperating with the right-hand side of figure Wheel |41, isprovided Withaplurality'of brushes divided over ten radii, indicated at0, II IX. The brushes 5|-are arranged in aspiraland cooperate with thecontact rings 40 and with the large ycontact segment- 44; whereas thebrushes 52-arranged in a large circle, cooperate, for instance, -Withthe contact segment in Fig. 3. Moreover, a brush 53 cooperates with theinnermost contact ring 43 in Fig. 3.

The other side of disc is likewise provided with stationary contactbrushes. on the left-handside is electrically connected with a brush 55arranged on the O-radius on the right-hand side. At the same distancefrom the centre, but divided over ten radii (O, I, II IX), brushes 56are provided, which are connected with the spirally arranged brushes 5|on the left-.hand side in suchmanner that brushes on corresponding radiiare interconnected.

The nine brushes 52 on the left-hand side, arranged on the outermostcircle, are connected with nine brushes 51 on the right-hand side, whichare arranged in a spiral, brushes lying on corresponding radii Vbeinginterconnected.

At' the right of the disc 50 shown in Fig. 4, a normal gure wheel 60 asshown in Fig. 5 is arranged. At the right of this figure wheel, a discasshown in Fig. 4 follows; this disc is again followed by a iigure Wheel,and so on, according to the Vnumber of ligure wheels pertaining to thecounting mechanism.

Both sides ofthe figure wheel 60 are again pror vided with `contactrings of the same kind as shown on the right-hand side of Fig. 3.However, the rings on the left-hand side are provided with interruptionsat different places, and

the rings on the right-hand side with interruptions at the same place.The rings 6| on the left-'hand side are electrically connected with theContact segments y62, which are circumferentially spaced with respect toeach other on the largest circle of the right-hand side. The left-handside also comprises a plurality of contact segments 63, which arecircumferentially spaced with respect to each other, and which areconnected With the contact rings -|54 on the right-hand side. Theoutermost uninterrupted contact ring on the left-hand side is connectedwith the large contact segment l66 on the right-hand side of figurewheel 60.

Atthe rightof the rst figure Wheel from the right (I47 in Fig. 1.), adisc 10 is provided, of whichV the left-hand and right-hand sides areshowninFig. 6. Theleft-hand side .is provided Withfa plurality vof`contact brushes cooperating with .the right-:hand .side `of figure.wheel ..60

The brush 53 1 lli (Fig. 5), y-to wit a'brush 1| 'arranged on .theO-radius at a small distance from the `centre,:and ten brushes 12,arranged in a spiral. These brushes are connected with contact brushesona further disc 90, shown in Fig. 8, and arranged between the checking.wheels It and Il vshown in Fig. 1. Thus, the conductors .13 'in :Fig 6are continuedby the conductors i3 in Fig. .8.

The disc v'I0 further comprises nine .contact brushes 1.4,.arrangedzin-alarge circle and :divided over nine of the ten radii. Thesecontactbrushes are connected through conductors Vi5 with nine Contactbrushes 'I6 von the right-hand side .of disc 10,'which aredivided overnine v'concentric circles.

,.At the right-handside of disc l0 (Fig. 6)the 9-whee1 |6 shown inFig. 1is arranged. This wheel is only provided with nine concentric contactrings 8| on `the left-hand side. and with nine contact segments 82,electrically connected with the said concentric rings .,8|, and arrangedin a large circle, von the'right-hand side.

At the right of the 9-Wheel I6, as shown in Fig. 7, the above-mentioneddisc is arranged. The left-hand side of this disc is provided with ninecontact brushes, each connected with one of the nine signal lamps 20,the remaining terminals of these lampsbeing grounded at 9|, or connectedwith one of the terminals of theelectric mains. The right-hand side ofdisc 90 carries eleven contact brushes divided `along .-a large circle,and connected through conductors '.'3 with the contact brushes 1|, 12 ofdisc 10, as shown in Fig. 6.

The ll-wheel I1 shown in Fig. 9 is facing the right-hand side of thecontact disc 9|).shown in Fig. 8. On its left-hand side, the ll-wheelcarries only one Contact segment 9|, arranged on the 0radius andengaging the brushes of disc 90 as shown in Fig. 8, whereas theright-hand side of the ll-Wheel carries only one contact ring .92,electrically connected With said segment'Sl.

Opposite to contact ring S2, a single contact brush 93 is arranged on anend wall S4 of casing |2,vas shown in Fig. 10. Contact `brush .93 isconnected with the mains through a switch S5.

In Figs. 2-10, all figure wheels display the figure zero, as shown inFig. l. Hence, thesfunction and the ll-function ci the figure Wheels areboth equal to zero, which corresponds with the zero positions of thechecking Wheels I6 and IT. The circuit is as-follows:

In Fig. 2, the current flows from the current source through conductor29 and switch VIii) to contact brush 21, and thence to the ring segment34 on the left-hand side of the first figure wheel from the left, asshown in Fig. 3. From `this segment, the current flows to the outermostsegment 46 on the G-radius on the other side of figure wheel |41, soasto be taken up by brush 52 on the 0-radius of the stationary -disc 5.0shown in Fig. 4. From thisbrush, the current flows to the innermostbrush 57 on the G-radius of the right-hand side of disc 56, and thenceto the innermost ring 6| on the left-hand side oi the rst figure wheel66 as'shown in Fig. 5. From this ring, the current :flows to segment 62on the 0-radius of the right-hand side of the same gure wheel.

After that, the circuit as described from brush 52 on the 0radius ofdisc 50 (Fig. 4) to the next gure Wheel is repeated, until allgurewheels have been passed, and eventually, disc 'I6 as shown in .'Fig.6, Yat the right of the last gure wheelis reached. On V.this disc, the4current dis taken up by brush 14 on the O-radius, so as to be conductedto the innermost brush 16 on the O-radius of the right-hand side of disc10. This brush transfers the current to innermost contact ring 8| of the9-wheel I6 as shown in Fig. '7. From this ring, the current flows toContact segment 82 on the O-radius of the right-hand side of the 9-wheell5, and thence through the 0- brush of disc 9) in Fig. 8 to the 0-lamp20, which indicates that no dilerence of the 9-functions is present.

In opposite sense, a current flows through switch 95 in Fig. 10 to brush93, and thence to contact ring 92 on the right-hand side of thel'l-wheel shown in Fig. 9. From this ring, the current flows to contactsegment 9| on the righthand side of the ll-wheel, so as to be taken upby the O-brush on the right-hand side of disc 90, as shown in Fig. 8.Thence, the current liows through the lirst conductor 13 from the rightto the first conductor T3 from the right in Fig. 6, so as to reach brush1|, which transfers the current to the innermost uninterrupted contactring on the right-hand side of the ligure Wheel shown in Fig. 5. Fromthis ring, the current flows to segment 63 on the O-radius on thelefthand side of the ligure wheel and now the same circuit is repeatedfor all figure wheels, as the current flows from said segment 63 on the0- radius to brush 55 as shown in Fig. 4, and thence to brush 53 on theleft-hand side of disc 56 as shown in the same gure, so that it reachesthe innermost contact ring on the right-hand side of the next figurewheel. This procedure is repeated until the current reaches theinnermost contact ring 43 of the lirst ligure wheel from the left asshown in Fig. 3. From this ring, the current iiows to contact segment 32on the -radius of the left-hand side of the lirst figure wheel from theleft |41, so as to be taken up by contact brush 26 on the O-radius ofdisc 25 as shown in Fig. 2. Thence, the current llows to the -lamp 2|,indicating that no difference of the l1func tions is present.

' Now, a case will be discussed, wherein a difference of the 9-functionsand the ll-functions exists. For the sake of simplicity, it will beassumed that the counting mechanism comprises only two wheels, to witthe lirst ligure wheel from the left |41 as shown in Fig. 3, and onefurther ligure wheel 6i) as shown in Fig. 5. Suppose that the leftfigure wheel displays the figure 1 and the other ligure wheel the ligure2, so that the g-function is equal to 3.

The circuit for the Q-function will now be as follows:

From switch 3|) in Fig. 2, the current liows to the innermost contactbrush, and thence through contact ring 34 in Fig. 3 to segment 46 inFig. 3, which now faces the contact brush 52 on the I- radius as shownin Fig. 4. From this brush the current flows to contact brush 51 on theI- radius of the right-hand side of disc 50 as shown in Fig. 4, andthence to the second contact ring 6| from the inside on the left-handside of ligure wheel 60 as shown in Fig. 5. This contact ring isconnected with contact segment 62 on the 9-radius of the right-hand sideof ligure wheels 60 as shown in Fig. 5, which now faces brush '14 on theIII-radius in Fig. 6. Thence, the current liows to brush '16 on theIV-radius in Fig. 6, so as to reach the third annular segment 8| fromthe outside on the left-hand side of the 9- wheel I6 as shown in Fig. 7.From this segment,

the current liows to segment 82 on the S-radius 8 of the right-hand sideof the 9-wheel, if the latter still occupies its zero position. Thence,the current flows through brush III in Fig. 8 to the 3-lamp, which islighted. This obtains for the case that the 9-wheel as shown in Fig. 7has been left in the zero position. The Q-wheel then indicates a9-function zero, whereas the ligure wheels produce a 9-function 3. Thediffeernce between the 9-funotions is 3, which is shown by the 3lamp 20.

If the 9wheel l5 would also have been rotated over three steps so as toindicate a 9-function 3, brush 82 on the 3-radius in Fig. '7 would havereached the position of the O-radius, so that the O-lamp 20 would havebeen lighted, indicating that no difference occurs between the9-function produced by the figure wheels |4 and the 9- functiondisplayed by the checking wheel I6. In other words, as long as theO-lamp is lighted, no errors have been made.

For the ll-function, it is to be noted that the figure values of the oddligure wheels must be added together, and decreased by the sum of theligures appearing in' the even positions. Of course, the contacts on theligure wheels have been arranged so as to comply with this requirement.In fact, the connections between the input and output brushes ofconsecutive figure wheels are complementary, so that the right one isalways subtracted from the left one. Suppose that the standard figurewheel as shown in Fig. 5 and the first figure Wheel from the left asshown in Fig. 3 both occupy an odd position. Thus, the values displayedby these ligure wheels must be added together. For the sake ofsimplicity, it will further be assumed that the intermediate ligurewheels for the even positions occupy their zero positions. Thisassumption is made because the ligure wheels have been drawn in theirzero positions, and not because the circuit would be simpler.

It will again be assumed that the left ligure wheel displays the ligure1 and the other ligure wheel the ligure 2, so that, for instance, thenumber 102 is displayed by the counting mechanism. The 11-function ofthis number is equal to 3. The circuit for the ll-function is asfollows:

First, it will be assumed that the ll-wheel as shown in Fig. 9 occupiesits zero position. The dilierence between the ll-functions is equal to 3in this case, so that the B-lamp in Fig. 2 will be lighted.

The current flows from switch in Fig. l0 to contact brush 93, and thencethrough contact ring 92 in Fig. 9 to contact segment 9| in the sameligure. After that, the current is taken up by the contact brush on theO-radius in the top half of Fig. 8, so that it flows through conductor Ein Fig. `6 and reaches contact brush on the innermost circle on theleft-hand side in Fig. 6. Thence, the current passes on to the innermostcontact ring at the right in Fig. 5, so as to reach the contact segmenton the O-radius on the second circle from the outside at the left inFig. 5. This contact segment has been rotated over two steps, so that itoccupies the position of the B-radius, and the current is taken `up bythe contact brush shown at the top in Fig. 4 on the Z-radius on thesecond circle from the outside. Thence, the current flows to the contactbrush shown at the bottom in Fig. 4 on the 2-radius on the third circlefrom the outside. Through the next ligure wheel, which occupies its zeroposiv tion, the current reaches brush 5| shown at the bottom in Fig. 4on the IX-radius on thethird circle from the inside, and passes on tothe third contact ring from the inside at the right in Fig. 3, so as toreach the contact segment 32` on the -radius at the left in Fig. 3. Thissegment has been displaced over one step, so that the current is takenup by the contact brush on the III-radius in Fig. 2, and flows throughthe 3-lamp as required.

However, if the ll-wheel as shown in Fig. 9 would have been rotated overthreesteps, the circuit would have been as `follows:

From contact brush 93 in Fig. lil, thecurrent again reaches segment 9|in Fig. 9-through contact ring 92. However, segment 9| occupies theposition of the 8-radius, so that the current is taken up by the contactbrush on the S-radius at the top in Fig. 8, and flows through conductor8 to contact brush 12- on the S-radius in Fig. d on the fourth circlefrom tie outside; transfers the current to the segment 5E at the rightin Fig. 5 in the position of the l-radius (the iigure wheel has beenrotated over two positions) and thence the current iiows to contact ring65 on the Z-radius at the left in Fig. 5, which occupies the position ofthe O-radius. Thence, the current flows to contact brush 55 on theO-radius at the top in Fig. 4 on the innermost circle, so as to reachcontact brush 5I onthe O-radius on the second circle from the inside atthe bottom of Fig. 4. Now, the current flows to the next figure wheel,which occupies its zero position, so that reaches the secc-nd contactring from the inside. Thence, the current ilows through a contactsegment 63 on the 9-radius .and brush 56 on the I-radius at the top inFig. d to the contact brush 5I on the '-radius at the bottom in Fig. 4,and thence to the contact segment on the second circle from the outside.After that, the current flows to the second contact ring from theoutside at the right in Fig. 3, which occupies the position of theO-radius (the figure wheel 41 has been rotated over one posiw tion), andthence to segment 32 on the l-radius at the left in Fig. 3, whichoccupies the position of the O-radius. Thus, the current is taken up bythe brush on the O-radius in Fig. 2, so 'that the O-lamp 2D is lighted.As long .as the O-lamp is lighted, no errors have been made.

In the appended` claims, the term S-iunction of a number designates theremainder obtained on division ci said number by a key/.number S.

I claim:

l. A counting mechanism, comprising a plurality oi" figure wheels eachhaving n different positions, means for displacing the said gure wheelseach over a number of steps corresponding with one of the digits of anumber to `be inserted in saidcounting mechanism, and an electriccomputing device receiving the setting of the said figure wheels andcomputing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained ondivision by a key number S different from n of the number registered inthe said gure wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises aplurality of sets of n electric contacts each xedly coupled with one ofthe said figure wheels so as to be rotated. upon rotation of theassociated figure wheel, a plurality of sets of S xed contacts eachcooperating with one of the said first-mentioned sets oi contacts, andconnections between the Contacts of the said first-mentioned and thelast-mentioned sets, whereby an electric circuit corresponding with thecheck symbol of the num- This brush 10 ber registered in the said iigurewheels is formed through the contacts of the said sets.

2. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising anS-partite checking wheel, and means for displacing said checking wheelover a number of steps corresponding with the value of a check symbolaccompanying a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, whereinthe said computing device further comprises a set of S electric contactsxedly coupled with said checking wheel so as to be rotated upon rotationof said checking wheel, a set of S fixed contacts cooperating with thecontacts of the said rst-menticned set, and means connected with thesaid iixed contacts for signalizing any discrepancy between the checksymbol of the number registered in the said ligure wheels and thesetting of said checking Wheel.

3. A counting mechanism comprising a plurality of iigure wheels eachhaving n different positions, means for displacing the said figurewheels each over a number oi steps corresponding with one of the digitsof a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, and an electriccomputing device receiving the setting oi the said figure wheels andcomputing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained ondivision by a key number S different from n of the number registered inthe said gure wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises aplurality of rotatory sets of n radially spaced electric contacts eachixedly coupled with one of the said figure wheels so as to be rotatedupon rotation oi the associated iigure wheel, a plurality of rotatorysets of n circumferentially spaced electric contacts each iixedlycoupled. with one of the said ligure wheels so as to be rotated uponrotation of the associated iigure wheel, connections between theradially spaced contacts of each set and the circumferentially spacedcontacts of the related set, a plurality of sets of S radially spacediiXed contacts each cooperating with one of the said rstmentioned setsor" radially spaced contacts, a plurality of sets oi' Scircumferentially spaced iixed contacts each cooperating with one of thesaid Inst-mentioned sets of circumierentially spaced contacts, andconnections between the radially spaced xed contacts associated witheach iigure wheel and the circumferentially spaced iixed contactsassociated with the next igure wheel, whereby an electric circuitcorrespending with the check symbol of the number registered in the saidfigure wheels is formed through the contacts of the said sets.

d. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 3, .further comprising anS-partite checking wheel, and means for displacing the said checkingwheel over a number oi steps corresponding with the value oi a checksymbol accompanying a number to be inserted in the said countingmechanism, wherein the said computing device further comprises arotatory set of S radially spaced electric contacts iixedly coupled withsaid checking wheel so as to be rotated upon rotation or said checkingwheel, a rotatory set of S circumfercntially spaced electric contactsxedly coupled with said checking wheel so as to be rotated upon rotationof said checking wheel, connections between the said radially spaced andthe circumferentially spaced contacts, a set of S radially spaced iiXedcontacts cooperating with said first-mentioned set of radially spacedcontacts, a ci S circuniierentially spaced ilxed contacts cooperatingwith said rst-mentioned set of circumferentially spaced contacts,connections between the contacts of one of the said sets of i'iXedcontacts and the contacts of one of the sets of fixed contactsassociated with the adjoining iigure wheel, indicating means forsignalizing any discrepancy between the setting of said checking wheeland the check symbol of the number registered in the said figure wheels,and connections between the contacts of the other one of the said setsof iiXed contacts and the said indicating means.

5. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim ll, wherein the saidindicating means comprise a set of glow lamps each connected with one ofthe contacts of one of the sets of fixed contacts associated with saidchecking wheel.

6. A counting machine, comprising a plurality of gure wheels each havingn different portions, means for displacing the said iigure wheels eachover a number of steps corresponding with one of the digits of a numberto be inserted in said counting mechanism, and an electric computingdevice receiving the setting of the said iigure wheels and computingtherefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained on divisionby a key number S different from n of the number registered in the saidiigure Wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises a pluralityof sets of n radially spaced contacts each arranged on one of the saidfigure wheels, a plurality of sets of 1L circumferentially spacedcontacts each arranged on one of the said figure wheels, connectionsbetween the radially spaced contacts and the circumferentially spacedcontacts on each of the said :ligure wheels, a plurality of sets of Sradially spaced fixed contacts each cooperating with one of the saidirstmentioned sets of radially spaced contacts, a plurality of sets of Scircumferentially spaced Xed contacts each cooperating with one of thesaid first-mentioned sets of circumferentially spaced contacts, andconnections between the radially spaced xed contacts associated witheach ngure wheel and the circumferentially spaced contacts associatedwith the next ligure wheel, whereby an electric circuit correspondingwith the check symbol of the number of registered in the said ligurewheels is formed through the contacts of the said sets.

7. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 5, further comprising anS-partite checking wheel, means for displacing said checking wheel overa number of steps corresponding with the value of a check symbolaccompanying a number to be inserted in said counting mechanism, whereinthe said computing device further comprises a set of S radially spacedelectric contacts arranged on said checking wheel, a set of Scircumferentially spaced electric contacts arranged on said checkingwheel, connections between the said radially spaced and the saidcircumferentially spaced contacts, a set of S radially spaced fixedcontacts cooperating with said first-mentioned set of radially spacedcontacts, a set of S circumferentially spaced xed contacts cooperatingwith said first mentioned set of circumferen tially spaced contacts,connections between the fixed contacts of one of the said sets and therlxed contacts of one of the sets associated with the adjoining gurewheel, indicating means for signalizing any discrepancy between thesetting of said checking wheel and the check symbol of the numberregistered in the said gure wheels, and connections between the xedcontacts of the 12 other one of the said sets and the said indicatingmeans.

8. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim '7, wherein the saidindicating means comprise a set of glow lamps each connected with one ofthe contacts of one of the sets of fixed contacts associated with saidchecking Wheel.

9. A counting mechanism, comprising a plurality of ligure wheels eachhaving n different positions, means for displacing the said figurewheels each over a number of steps corresponding with one of the digitsof a number to be inserted in said counting machine, and an electriccomputing device receiving the setting of the said ngure wheels andcomputing therefrom a check symbol indicating the remainder obtained ondivision by a key member S different from n of the numb-er registered inthe said ngure Wheels, wherein the said computing device comprises aplurality of rotatory contact members, each coupled with one of the saidligure wheels, each adapted to be set in n dilerent positions accordingto the position of the associated iigure wheel, and each comprising nradially spaced annular contacts each extending through part of acircle, n circumferentially spaced contacts, and means electricallyconnecting the said radially spaced contacts each with one of the saidcircumferentially spaced contacts, a plurality of sets of S` radiallyspaced stationary contact brushes each associated with one of the saidcontact members and cooperating with the said radially spaced contactsthereof, a plurality of sets of S circumferentially spaced stationarycontact brushes each associated with one of the said contact members andcooperating with the said circumferentially spaced contacts thereof, andmeans electrically connecting the said radially spaced contact brushesof each set with one of the said circumferentially spaced contactbrushes of an adjacent set, whereby an electric circuit correspondingwith the check symbol of the number registered in the said gure wheelsis formed through the said contact members and the said stationarycontact brushes.

10. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 9, further comprising achecking wheel having S different positions, and means for displacingsaid checking wheel over a number of positions corresponding with thevalue of a check symbol accompanying a number to be inserted in saidcounting mechanism, wherein the said computing device further comprisesa rotatory contact member coupled with said checking wheel, adapted tobe set in S different positions according to the position of saidchecking wheel, and comprising S radially spaced annular contacts, Scircumferentially spaced contacts, and means electrically connecting thesaid radially spaced contacts each with one of the saidcircumferentially spaced contacts, a set of S radially spaced stationarycontact brushes cooperating with the said radially spaced contacts, aset of S circumferentially spaced stationary contact brushes cooperatingwith the said circumferentially spacedv contacts, means electricallyconnecting the contact brushes of one of the saidsets each with one ofthe contact brushes of one of the sets associated with the adjoiningiigure wheel, indicating means for signalizing any disagree ment betweenthe setting oi said checking wheel and the check symbol of the numberregistered in the said figure wheels, and means connecting the contactbrushes of the other set with the said indicating means.

11. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the saidindicating means comprise a set of glow lamps each connected with one ofthe contact brushes of one of the sets associated with said checkingWheel, and indicating the diierence between the setting of said checkingWheel and the check symbol of the number registered in the said figurewheels.

12. A counting mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the said contactmembers are each formed as a plurality of contacts arranged on lo NumberName 5 other side face.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Date2,241,591 Gates May 13, 194i

